Dealing with Covid - Hoping the Ole T-Cells can fight it off.

It's been a tough few weeks. Andy and I both contracted Covid, probably the Delta Variant. As a T-Cell Lymphoma patient, I investigated mRNA treatments early on and the best specialist I could find told me to steer away, having something to do with the mutations I have of CD4 and CD53, related to the cancer. Again, I have the 'benefit' of personalized information, I suppose. Now I'l have natural immunity, at least to this variant. Funny how the science is showing that it lasts at least several months but we can't use it to gain access to the world like record of vaccination, which is showing only spotty immunity and now boosters are needed. 

So...as I've consulted with my current oncologist, the DO who has helped me so much, and others, I have hesitated to take the vaccines. I also have a young man I know who got the cardiomyopathy, a person at work who possibly lost her husband to a reaction from the vaccine, and a dear woman whose heart was fine (allowing her to have major surgery just a few months ago) until she got the vaccine, only to pass away suddenly from cardiac arrest after troubles with the 1st dose. I know a bit too much (usually just enough to cause doubt) about the vaccine industry and the unfortunate realities of how they continue to be stacked one on top of the other without serious study of the cumulative effects. The huge problem with autoimmune diseases in our country makes me question what we are doing to our immune systems. In short, I have no opinion or information for anyone else (just like in the cancer realm). But I have deep compassion on all of us, no matter what our decisions, in trying to figure out what is best for us in our unique situations. 

Covid has been difficult - basically because it just drags on so long. I was fortunate to get monoclonal antibodies about 7 days after symptoms started. I am disgusted that there are only 8 appointments available per day for the entire Colorado Springs Metro area. Why aren't therapeutics available to people?? I was so certain I was having allergy attacks the weeks before I tested positive, and the day I started feeling badly I was sure I was getting a bad sinus infection. I decided to do a home test because it was Labor Day weekend and getting into a testing site was going to be hard. I was SHOCKED when it was positive. We confirmed with a test from Mission Medical a couple days later. The fatigue, sinus pain and pressure, and cough, causing pulled muscles, have been the worst part for me. Yes, we had and took Ivermectin. The human form...not the horsie stuff (yes, there is a difference). Who knows if it has helped. We have followed the FLCCC doctors protocol for supplements and things to do to help. Yesterday was better but today I woke up with sinus pain and pressure again and I am so so weak and woozy. This is about day 17. We have a friend who was sick for a month and a half, only to end up with a serious fungal infection and hearing loss. My #1 goal has been to stay out of the hospital. 

We have been so grateful that our O2 sats have stayed in the mid to high 90s. I had fevers the first week and a half or so - waking up soaking wet almost every time I would sleep. So gross! My reading supports the idea that fevers help the body fight infection so I don't generally take anything for them; I would if they got dangerously high. They passed. 

Something I have become more and more grateful for is the way I was raised. We have options to help our bodies that many people just aren't aware of. For example, I can take care of UTIs and sinus infections with alfalfa. It takes handfulls - but it works and there are no negative side effects of antibiotics. I did get a prescription for antibiotics (thinking the sinus infection might be out of control) and an anti-yeast medication but I haven't used them. I'm not a purist but...if I can take care of things without the negative effects of these meds, I'll try - and usually succeed. 

We have things like Shaklee's Liquil-Lea. I was the sick baby who got well taking this liquid multi - who got my mom into the products and business that has blessed our whole family so much. My sister uses Elderberry Syrup. I haven't gotten hooked on it but may need to give it another try. I've used iodine and saline nasal washes that have made a huge difference. Steam showers, heating pads, saunas,...

In the cancer world, there are many "off label" drugs people use. So...the Ivermectin thing has not been as strange to me as to others. I've read much of the science (I have a Master of Science in my field, took a year of STEM statistics at the UC, and team taught regular statistics). If you're ever interested, check out Jane McClellan's work, How to Starve Cancer, on this subject. I have taken Low Dose Naltrexone and am researching high dose Melatonin for their anti-cancer properties. I did get tested by Dr. Nagourney in Long Beach and he didn't find some of the common off-label drugs for cancer did anything for me so I have hesitated adding any more to my regime. There is a group called careoncology.com who have packaged the most common 4 drugs into a program and I know a couple people who swear by it (including for childhood cancer). 

Yes, I know people who have beaten cancer these ways - usually when they have been sent home with no options or they went through conventional treatment, swearing to never do it again. I had a doctor tell me he didn't believe it was possible. I told him that he needed to know a couple dozen people first, as I do through my time at the Cancer Center for Healing and through the groups I'm part of on social media, some of whom I have met in person, to believe it. 

I've seen the increase in censorship of information in the last almost 5 years. There are so many things that don't make sense, including treatments that work that are now unavailable, because of new regulations. It is why so many of us go out of the country for treatment. Now, it is unacceptable to even question medical information of you can (and are) cut off of the social media sites and you are instantly branded "against the science." If only people realized that there is so much good science on the "alternative" side of things too. And that the medical and scientific industry is so corrupted, we should be questioning everything. 

Anyhow, like I say...these are my thoughts for my health. They are not meant to influence anyone else. Maybe they can encourage someone to keep seeking their own answers in this confusing and confused world. Other than that, this is a good place for me to keep track of some of what is happening and someday, maybe I'll look back and find it interesting. 

Oh ya...on the lymphoma issue - who knows. I go back to my doctor in November. She'll want scans and biopsies and probably to start the Duvilisib. I'm not anxious after the last 2 drugs we've tried. And...my throat and other swollen lymph nodes haven't bothered me so I don't have the motivation right now to try things. Dr. Haverkos swore I'd be worse by now - maybe the Lomatium, THC/CBD, supplements, vegies, exercise, lower stress now that I'm retired, ... are keeping the lymphoma at bay. Who knows. But I am thankful. And I still take Prednisone to keep the swollen and painful joints under control. 

Take good care!